'Alfred what are you insinuating?' Thomas was trying to keep his face neutral, but couldn't help the light smile, which appeared on his lips after he spotted the remnants of bright red blush on already so reddened cheeks.

Powder blush, how wise!

'Ah..um.. I beg your pardon! I am Ivory Clarson, the famou-'

'Alfred, stop pretending I know who you are.' Thomas sighed, dramatically rolling his eyes.

Oh no, Mr. Barrow! What is he even doing here? Ah what am supposed to say?!

He's coming closer. Ahh... don't panic, don't panic.. don't you dare panic Alfred Nugent!

Alfred was contemplating the running. Strangely so but the idea of opening up to Mr Barrow wasn't so bad after all, but who knew maybe he could help him?

Don't be silly, just say that he's mistaken and keep going until you reach the forest.

Alfred coughed and said very firmly. 'In the slightest, I don't know what are you trying to say, but I have to leave you for you are no help at all.' then he turned around and with all his grace ( lessons from Daisy should not be wasted) proceeded down the path.

He thought that maybe, maybe Mr. Barrow would think that it doesn't matter to him and went away, but how wrong Alfred was.

In a matter of minute, someone's very delicate hand touched Alfred's shoulder and turned him, just that delicately around. The very curious and in the same time serious eyes met the scared ones. Alfred's mouth went dry and now he knew that there was no chance he would run from the under buttler's firm grip and eyes as if made of steel.

'Dear..khm..lady, would you mind explaining what are you implying?'

Alfred was at loss for words and all his stance became so vulnerable.

I need to prove my manliness! Despite the circumstances and all this absurd I shall not give Mr. Barrow the satisfaction of victory, for the winner is me.

For a whole minute Thomas was studying amusingly Alfred's face, and all the thoughts that was circling in his head was all written on his reddened face.

'I need a reasonable explanation to this.' Thomas said, with eyes pointing at the dress and especially at the horrible looking hat.

Alfred licked his lips, nervously and stepped from one leg to another.

'So lady-like.' Thought Thomas.

'So? What is it?'

'Would you mind, Mr. Barrow getting your hand off of me silky dress.'

'There admitted. Of course.' Thomas let go of Alfred's shoulder and now was smiling so cheekily. 'Alfred, honestly what made you dressed up like a girl? Well, this dress is very good choice, how did you manage to do that?'

Alfred's face by now was a big colourful blossoming flower. 'I.. need to att-end the ..um competition, but they said that only women, young women are allowed to enter the competition and I thought that-'

'That stealing her Ladyships dress and, completely not her hat, ' Thomas knitted his brows and suppresed another laugh. 'As well as powder your face would help you with it, I presume?'

'You forgot about the perfectly fitted wig, which my dear friend-'

'I did not.'

Another hearty laugh.

'Mr. Barrow, I assume that you may find it very amusing and silly, but it is a matter of will I be able to bake sweets and doughs and finally doing something which I really want to in my life or not.' Alfred cried out, but pulled himself together and continued. 'Also, I did manage to out-witt you, Mr. Barrow, so now I am perfectly confident and know that I can do it.'

'Out-wit me? For a split of second.'

Alfred shook his head. 'No at all, if I wasn't so distracted by thinking of mending my dress and your, so even presence you would never thought it was me.'

Thomas rolled his eyes.

So stubborn as ever.

'Mr. Barrow, please can you help me? I will be polishing the silver cutlery all week?' Alfred fluttered his eyelashes and pouted his ridiculously orange lips.

It was an absurd, but yes it was true Alfred Nugent has managed to do something that no one has ever done before - amazed the Mr-I-look-through-you-and know everything Barrow.

'Alright. But on one condition.'

Alfred beamed with joy. 'What is it?'

'A proper hat'

'A proper hat, indeed.'

And they started laughing so heartily.